Spurs don’t expect Leonard for home stand

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said before Saturday’s game with Memphis that small forward Kawhi Leonard is unlikely to make his return during the Spurs’ upcoming three-game home stand.

“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if Leonard will play against the Grizzlies, Milwaukee (Wednesday) or Houston (Friday).

Leonard, who has missed eight games before Saturday with quadriceps tendinitis, said earlier in the week that he was targeting a return against Memphis. He is averaging 10.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in eight games.

Popovich also said it will be “a couple of weeks” before Stephen Jackson returns from the broken small finger on his right (shooting) hand.

Jackson, speaking at the same appearance as Leonard, said he was hoping to return ahead of schedule. He has missed six games since being ruled out for four to six weeks following his injury against the Clippers on Nov. 19.